Why are Americans so Pro-Israel?

Four reasons that put Americans sharply at odds with the rest of the world.

Of all the ways in which the United States marches to the beat of its own drummer, few are more striking than the American people's consistent and deep-rooted support for the Jewish state. In a recent nationwide survey, the Gallup organization asked Americans: "In the Middle East situation, are your sympathies more with the Israelis or more with the Palestinians?" For the fourth year in a row, 59 percent -- nearly 6 in 10 -- said their sympathies were with Israel, while just 18 percent sided with the Palestinians. When respondents were asked for their opinion of various countries, 63 percent said they had a favorable view of Israel (21 percent said very favorable), compared with just 15 percent who thought highly of the Palestinian Authority.

Conversely, only 29 percent of Americans told Gallup that their opinion of Israel was negative, even as a whopping 73 percent expressed a negative attitude toward the Palestinians.

This overwhelmingly positive feeling for Israel is normal for the United States, but it puts Americans sharply at odds with the rest of the world. At the United Nations, for example, nothing is more routine than the castigation of Israel. Similarly, any time Israel is forced to use its military power in self-defense, it comes under the harsh glare of the international media, which subject it to a scrutiny far more unforgiving than any other country receives. It was only a few years ago that a poll commissioned by the European Union found that a plurality of Europeans regarded Israel as the greatest threat to world peace -- more menacing than even North Korea or Iran.

So what makes Americans different?

Foreign policy "realists" could certainly suggest reasons why close friendship with Israel is not in America's interest, beginning with the fact that most of the world doesn't share it. There are 300 million or more Arabs in the world, and they sit atop a vast share of the world's oil supply. Why endanger American access to that oil by maintaining such close ties to a nation with only 6 million people and no petroleum to export? Why risk incurring the wrath of Islamic terrorists by supporting Israel, a nation most of them detest? Surely it would make more sense -- so a "realist" might argue -- for Americans to distance themselves from the world's lone Jewish state, and tilt instead toward the much greater number of nations and governments that are hostile to Israel.

Yet most Americans instinctively reject such advice. The national consensus in support of Israel is longstanding and durable, and it isn't grounded in economics, energy policy, or a quest for diplomatic popularity. Nor, as some conspiracy-minded critics have claimed, is it because a "Zionist lobby" in Washington routinely hijacks US foreign policy, manipulating America into serving Israel's ends.

The roots of America's bond with Israel lie elsewhere.

First, Americans stand with Israel because in it they recognize a liberal democracy much like their own: a nation in which elections are lively, fair, and democratic; in which freedom of speech and the press are core values; in which the political rights of minorities are respected; and in which a commitment to civil liberties and justice is woven into the very fabric of society.

They are linked by the kinship of common values.

Second, Americans know that Israel is a stable ally in one of the world's most critical and volatile regions. Its intelligence service is perhaps the world's finest, its military is the best in the Middle East, and its painfully acquired expertise in counterterrorism is invaluable -- all the more so as we wage our own war against jihadi terrorists.

Third, Americans sympathize with Israel because they understand that the enemies of Israel state hate the United States as well. The suicide bombers who revel in the death of innocent Jews, the fanatics who chant "Death to Israel," the Iranian- and Syrian-backed forces that launch rockets from Gaza or Lebanon with the aim of shedding Israeli blood -- they are steeped in the same murderous ideology as Osama bin Laden and the Islamists who slaughtered so many Americans on Sept. 11, 2001.

And fourth, there is a deep religious bond between American Christians and the Jewish people, a bond that stretches back to the earliest era of American history. More than a century before the Revolutionary War, the Puritan leader Increase Mather taught his followers to anticipate the day when the Jews would return to their homeland and establish "the most glorious nation in the whole world." In 1819, former President John Adams wrote of his wish to see "the Jews again in Judea an independent nation." Today, tens of millions of American evangelicals passionately support -- even love -- the Jewish state, and consider it nothing less than their duty as Christians to stand with Israel and her people.

Why are Americans so pro-Israel? For reasons practical and idealistic, religious and strategic. They are linked by the kinship of common values -- an affinity of strength and decency that reflects the best of both nations, and sets them apart from the other nations of the world.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 39

(37)
J.Keszei,
March 4, 2016 6:54 PM

Americans are not . our bought off "elected politicians" and the media try to convince us we are and sooner or later there is going to be a backlash to this blatant manipulation.the average iq in the US is under 100 and no one has exploited that worse than this tribe.at one time you had the sympathy of Americans and now you have brought shame upon your selves. I honestly believe the only possible remedy for Americas Israel problem is statehood. Israel wants to be close as brothers then it is time to join the family!

(36)
Nell Okie,
July 25, 2014 11:11 PM

Proven Wrong

I think that the abusive treatment of a young American Jew by Israeli police, as he protested against the Israeli violence aimed at Palestinians and "Israel’s disproportionate violence against innocents", deflates this notion: "They [Americans and Israelis] are linked by the kinship of common values -- an affinity of strength and decency that reflects the best of both nations, and sets them apart from the other nations of the world."

MG,
December 29, 2016 3:26 AM

The Progressive Narrative

Israel's disproportionate violence aimed at palestinians? stop drinking the marxist koolaid. Israel violence is merely a response to relentless attacks from jew-hating jihadists. wake up and get your head out of the progressive brain-wash machine.

(35)
Dickus,
June 24, 2014 7:38 PM

These statistics that claim what percentage of Americans support or oppose Israel are very suspect. In fact, it would be a great surprise if even 20% of the American public had an opinion of Israel at all. To the average American, EVERYTHING in the middle-east is a wasteland, and not worth thinking about.

(34)
Mark,
November 19, 2012 12:01 AM

Why is the US pro-Israel

I've been searching on the internet as to why the United States is so pro-Israel and I can't seem to find a straight answer. People's answers range from crazy conspiracy theories to rose tinted pieces such as this.The United States has supported dictatorships in the past and has helped to overthrown democratically elected governments .The US do what many,many other countries and peoples have done before them,and that is pursue there own selfish interests,
I very much doubt that the US government has such a strongly pro-Israeli foreign policy because it just warms the cockels of their heart to see another democracy prosper and flourish. I can not figure out why the US is so strongly pro-Israel. I am honestly trying to find a fair,balanced and logical explanation.

(33)
Anonymous,
February 21, 2012 6:33 PM

Israel - Here for a LONG time

I agree of course, with this article. Being a Christian I have a deep belief that the Jewish nation belongs in Israel, and will be their till the end of time. As to why America has this deep lover relationship with Israel. Cause it's in our blood. America can tell the difference between good and evil. Israel is good. The muslim radicals. Bad. Liz Taylor is good. Putin is very bad. Alan Greenspan - a cool dude. And very smart. Try to think of Muslim radicals that are good. Just one. Can't do it. They are bad. By the way, as I said before, I'm a Christian, but I'm also of Irish descent.

Anonymous,
November 21, 2012 9:47 PM

please state the obvious

can you say if there are any good Radicals? Radicals are radicals regardless of religous background. its our lack of understanding and mutual respecting for the truth that peace can not be sustained in the world. Greed and propoganda has taken over..

(32)
Anonymous,
January 21, 2012 6:47 PM

Good article

.

(31)
Joey,
January 12, 2012 7:31 PM

Similar Histories

Look at the histories of the two countries as well. Both were founded by religious refugees fleeing persecution in other countries; both have continued to accept immigrants from around the world; and both had to build a nation out of practically nothing. The Puritans explicitly intended their American colonies to be a sort of Christian Israel, and ironically Israel just went on to become a Jewish America in turn.
God bless!

(30)
Michael,
May 21, 2011 3:11 PM

Well

all you have to do is read the bible, and there you have your answer.

(29)
Alex,
February 26, 2010 10:25 PM

Israel forever

I am actually from small country (Estonia) with a big undemocratic country and I always have admired how small free country has given a bloody nose to these Arab dictators.
Always fought back and stand strong and democratic. I also recognize Jewish countribution European Cristian culture and science. I would take Israel into European Union because its only democracy in this neibourhood and also have a strong cultural links to European culture.

While my first reaction to this article was to say because We share a common religous point of origin. (for the most part) And in fact you hear he phrase Judeo-Christian as a point of view. The sad fact is that America is slowly turnning away from it's God (not unlike Israel has done so many times in it's hstory.)
A trait that American's have is that they love an underdog, especialy when they see that guy as a good guy that is just trying to have a peaceful live in his own home.
America's beggining was as an uderdog helped by other world powers. So it is natural that Americans would tend to want to help Israel.

(26)
harold,
January 19, 2010 5:50 PM

history

I would not take the US support for granted because as one genration cometh another one will go or has your history has ttaught you any thing about the prevailing empire of the age?

(25)
Jack,
December 23, 2009 4:38 AM

The 4th reason

I am constantly amazed at how pro Israel and pro Jewish the Evangelical Christians that I meet at work are. The Catholics that I have come in contact with seem to be a lot more ambivilant to even outright hostility. There are, however, many who don't care one way or the other.

(24)
Bobby,
December 22, 2009 8:09 AM

Why America continues to support Israel

1.. Fairness to Women In Saudi Arabia women are not allowed to interact in society. In Iran they may be punished for their dress. Like Israel, America has believed in equality for women.
2. Democracy For its faults, Israel is one of the only democracies in the middle east.
3. Scientific Achievement Many of the most important developements in fields like cancer have come from Israel.
4. Christian holy sights When Israel took control over Jerushalem, Christian holy sights became accessible.

(23)
Jarrow L. Rogovin,
December 22, 2009 12:35 AM

A Fifth Reason Americans Admire Israel

Jeff's column is great but he missed out an important reason: Americans admire Israelis. And Israelis admire Americans. While mutual respect is an important component of friendship, the reason for that respect is that both nations are immigrant nations that have achieved a great deal. We admire each others technical process as well as cultural sophistication. Americans admire Israel for being a small nation standing up to a huge bully and Israel admires our super power status.
Rachel is not completely right that the Arabs hate us because we support Israel because they would hate us anyway. They also hate Europe and Europe is not so nice to Israel. Arabs do not like equality: Not of people of different religion, race, sexual orientation or the respecting women -- and girls. They hate that. Not all, but enough. The Iranian Revolution was not based upon anti-Israelism.
Shalom,
Jarrow

(22)
MARV SHORE,
December 21, 2009 11:05 PM

WHO SAYS THEY ARE?????

(21)
Betti Miner,
December 21, 2009 10:49 PM

America's love for Israel

I feel that this country loves Israel because it is a democracy and freedom is not taken for granted. They have one of the finest armies in the world and the country is steeped in history. I feel it is great that the Christian people love it as well, they have historical roots there and serious about it. Iran and Iraq are jealous of Israel because they have a tin dictator trying to run their country, Syria has an eye doctor running the show there. Iran does not even have a legit President, he stole the office threatening any one to challenge him. I think Mr. Jacoby was right on target. Thank you

(20)
aspacia,
December 21, 2009 7:50 PM

Right On Jacoby

Albeit, I am a secular Deist, Feminist Goy, Zionist. My convictions stem from a sense of justice. Jews have been persecuted for 6,000 years, since the days of pharoah, it is time for them to have a protected homeland. Besides, the land was purchased, and won fair and square.

(19)
Shirlee Rosenthal,
December 21, 2009 3:30 AM

I have always supported Israel and hope to until the day I die. I am a lifetime member of Haddassah and proud of being a Zionest, we must support Israel as a homelamd for the Jewish people so if we have to return there we will have our homeland. My Mother and I both support Israel any way we can. AM YISRAEL CHAI and the people of Israel shall live. AMEN.

(18)
Allen Z. Hertz,
December 21, 2009 3:21 AM

Some Warning Signs About USA Support for Israel

Though Israel is doing fine with the USA masses and in Congress, a range of reputable public-opinion polling shows that Israel is not so favored among the foreign-policy establishment and the left-wing of the Democratic Party. And, thorough analysis of President Obama's speeches indicates, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he too is ideologically no friend to Israel, no matter what the spin-meisters in the White House would have USA Jews believe. So, as we head into the crisis over Iran's nuclear weapons, we have to be mindful that, though Israel has many USA friends, there are nonetheles influential Americans who are clearly cold to Israel.

(17)
K H Chiang,
December 21, 2009 2:09 AM

Standing with Israel

The Bible, God's Word said "those who bless Israel, God will bless"
Western civilisation had prospered because of their Christian roots, which can be traced to Israel.
How true!

(16)
ruth,
December 21, 2009 1:23 AM

stand by me

I think there are many ways to answer this question and many answers. I think there are many people for whom it is not pro Israel vs pro Palestinians, but that the question, as phrased as either or, is perhaps not the best of questions.
It might be a good idea to think about the family of man and how we can learn to live with each other, because in each group there are people who would love each other, deeply, and would embrace a just and lasting peace that involved both sides of an ancient and age old question and as for love of Jerusalem, I think there are so many groups that have legitimate claim to this sacred ground and so I am saying, maybe the question is not about division but about how we can multiply the positivity that does exist and get rid of that toxicity that pollutes relationships between people, who are, after all, just people.

(15)
Rachel,
December 21, 2009 1:11 AM

Reason 3 makes no sense

I am delighted that Americans support Israel. But reason number 3 -- that the Islamist fanatics also hate us -- ignores the fact that one of the major reasons they do is our support for Israel.
However, the strong ideological and/or religious connections between a majority of Americans and Israel are correct. I would add that the generation of Americans that fought World War II and saw the horrors of the Holocaust recognized the need for the Jews to have their own homeland, as well as full rights in American society. That generation is old, and their children (I'm one) are middle-aged. It is imperative that Israel and its friends educate the younger generations so that these positive attitudes don't become viewed as obsolete.

(14)
,
December 21, 2009 1:10 AM

Support for Israel

I have been a fan of Jeff Jacoby's writing for a number of years and believe he hit the points accurately. On the surface, it seems a phenomenon that Christians are so devoted to Israel, but we are commanded to do so (maybe not commanded but strongly encouraged). Where I am continually puzzled over is the large percentage of Jews who are liberals and give their support to the people who will call for their ultimate downfall. But in all this, G-D has his hand involved. I continue to pray for the peace for Jersuleum. Ben Bennett

(13)
Catarin Smith,
December 21, 2009 12:27 AM

Our common religious roots.

Israel's fight to keep Jerusalem/Israel in Jewish/Christian hands is all that is preventing the Muslims from taking it away. I believe Muslims are trying to take over the world. The politicized Muslims are my enemy.

(12)
Laura Adams,
December 21, 2009 12:16 AM

Solidarity

As a Christian American I have followed Israel's fight for independent sovereignty for many years. If the need called for it, I would gladly stand shoulder to shoulder with the IDF protecting Israel from her enemies both foreign and domestic. As long is Israel is free, G-d is moving in the world and His existence cannot be denied! I daily pray for peace in Jerusalem!

(11)
Anonymous,
December 21, 2009 12:12 AM

Jews and Americans may be brothers

Thanks, Jeff, for a nice article. I'm a Filipino with a very Jewish heart! Perhaps another reason why Jews and Americans are so close is that, unbeknownst to them both, they are really brothers! If the proponents of the much-maligned idea that Britain and America are the chief of the 10 "Lost Sheep of the House of Israel" are given some credit after all, this would give an even more poignant reason for the enigmatic but dynamic relationship between Jews and Americans. Here in the Philippines, many Americans (and even any others who look white) -- especially after World War II -- were/are greeted "Hi, Joe!" -- Joseph! Jews and Joes are brothers!:-)

(10)
Anonymous,
December 20, 2009 11:49 PM

I Agree with the Author

I agree wholeheartedly with this article, and I pray that America will always stand with Israel, as Ruth clung to Naomi. I also care about the Palestinian people, but I'm totally against how their terrorist leaders treat them and their evil intent toward Israel.

(9)
Chava Miriam,
December 20, 2009 10:04 PM

Great article! Israel always needs our support desperately!

I pledged to donate to Israel this year. I am so upset and proud of the Israelis that live on the front lines every day.
We must remember them-from the elderly Holocaust survivors to the young orphans-all needing FOOD.

(8)
Deborah Wood,
December 20, 2009 9:31 PM

Israel is G-d's land

The Jews are G-d's chosen peiople & he gqave Israel to the Jews thousands of years ago. The Bible says that G-d will bless those who bless Israel, & curse those who curse Israel. To me it is a no brainer.

(7)
sara,
December 20, 2009 9:22 PM

in mitrayim we were welcomed Till assimilation brought hatred

the usa is not forever

(6)
Aliza Circle,
December 20, 2009 9:10 PM

I will do anything for the jewish people

Everytime a country get hurt by terrorists, Israel is the first country to help, and they don't look if you are white, or black, Jewish or Christian.

(5)
Paul Johnson,
December 20, 2009 8:29 PM

I Love Israel Too!!

Israel, and the Jews have gone through the worst racism on the planet. They have wondered so far, and suffered way too much. Israel is THEE place in the world that I want to see before I die. Jews are wonderful and generous people, all of the Jews I have met in my life have been kind, special and absolutely great human beings. They are by far the most creative and have contributed huge things for the good of health for suffering in this world. They are the first nation out of the block that offers help to other nations on earth, even those nations which disdain them.
Truly Israel is a miracle in this world and they have turned a desert into an oasis in many ways. I just pray God gives me a chance to go to this spectacular country with equally spectacular people. God Bless and Keep Israel from Her enemies and bless all those wonderful Jewish people, with such a world renowned sense of humor and zest for life. Wow, what a nation what a people!!!!!

(4)
Kip Gonzales,
December 20, 2009 8:19 PM

Another great article, Jeff!

So true! I hope more Americans will wake up to these things! I wonder if anyone has noticed that every single time the U.S. government makes a decision that is not in Israel´s best interest, or puts them under pressure, for example, to give up Gaza several years ago, right afterwards, a natural catastrophe such as Hurricane Katarina strikes.

(3)
Marv Hershenson,
December 20, 2009 8:09 PM

Americans Pro-Israel

I found Jeff Jacoby of great interest but I think there is a distinction that needs clarification. In a recent study with Harvard and MIT students, both Jewish and non-Jewish, the latter group was clearly not supportive of Israel and made reference to the "Jewish Lobby" and the Jewish students were not adept to challenge these assertions. So here we have the "best and brightest" of Jewish students who demonstrated apprehension and passivity to their counter parts. It maybe true that most Americans support Israel but there is a degree of young people who possess false notions regarding Israel and the right of this democratic country to exist in peace.

(2)
Eliza,
December 20, 2009 8:00 PM

Why are Northern Ireland Unionists so Pro Israel

For the exact same reasons as the Americans. The vast majority of unionist people in Northern Ireland have a deep love and admiration and feel a strong connection with the state of Israel. The province has a very small Jewish population and is proud that one of her sons, Chaim Herzog, became President of Israel. He retained his love of his native land all his life too..

(1)
Josephine,
December 20, 2009 7:53 PM

The love Americans bear for the Jew is innate and tied to legacy.

Your article put into words what I feel as an Ameriican for the nation of Israel. This is the purest love I own given in absolute knowledge of a kinship ordained by God himself and one that will remain free from the winds of change.

I always loved the story of Jonah and the whale. Why do we read it during the afternoon service of Yom Kippur?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Let's recap the story: God tells Jonah to go to Ninveh and to prophesy that in 40 days, God will destroy the city. Instead, Jonah goes to Jaffa, boards a ship, and sails for Tarshish. A great storm arises. Frightened, Jonah goes to sleep in the ship's hold. The sailors somehow recognize that Jonah is responsible for the storm. They throw him overboard, and the sea becomes calm.

A great fish swallows Jonah. Then three days later, God commands the fish to spit Jonah back out upon dry land. God tells Jonah, "Let's try it again. Go to Ninveh and tell them in 40 days I will destroy the city."

The story is a metaphor for our struggle for clarity. Jonah is the soul. The soul is assigned to sanctify the world, and draw it close to God. But we are seduced by the world's beauty. (Jaffa in Hebrew means "beauty.") The ship is the body, the sea is the world, and the storm is life's pains and troubles. God hopes confrontation with mortality will inspire us to examine our lives. But Jonah's is the more common response - we go to sleep (have a beer, turn on the television). The sailors throw Jonah overboard - this is death. The fish that swallows Jonah is the grave. Jonah is spat back upon the land - reincarnation. And the Almighty tells us to try again. "Go sanctify the world and bring it close to God."

Each of us is born with an opportunity and a challenge. We each have unique gifts to offer the world and unique challenges to perfect ourselves. If we leave the task unfinished the first time, we get a second chance. Jonah teaches us that repentance can reverse a harsh decree. If the residents of Ninveh had the ability to correct their mistakes and do teshuva, how much more so do we have the ability to correct our former mistakes and do teshuva.

(source: "The Bible for the Clueless But Curious," by Rabbi Nachum Braverman)

In 1948, Egypt launched a large-scale offensive against the Negev region of Israel. This was part of the War of Independence, an attack by five Arab armies designed to "drive the Jews into the sea." Though the Jews were under-armed, untrained, and few in number, through ingenuity and perseverance they staved off the attacks and secured the borders. Yet the price was high -- Israel lost 6,373 of its people, a full one percent of the Jewish population of Israel at the time.

And what does teshuvah consist of? [Repentance to the degree] that the One Who knows all that is hidden will testify that he will never again repeat this sin(Maimonides, Laws of Teshuvah 2:2).

"How can this be?" ask the commentaries. "Inasmuch as man always has free choice to do good or evil, to sin or not to sin, how can God testify that a person will never repeat a particular sin? Is this not a repudiation of one's free will?"

The answer to this came to me at a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous, at which the speaker, a man who had been sober for twenty-one years, said, "The man I was drank. The man I was will drink again. But now I am a different man."

A sin does not occur in a vacuum. A person who is devout does not abruptly decide to eat treifah. A sin occurs when a person is in such a state that a particular act is not anathema to him.

Consequently, repentance is not complete if one merely regrets having done wrong. One must ask, "How did this sin ever come about? In what kind of a state was I that permitted me to commit this sin?"

True repentance thus consists of changing one's character to the point where, as the person is now, one can no longer even consider doing the forbidden act. Of course, the person's character may deteriorate - and if it does, he may sin again.

God does not testify that the person will never repeat the sin, but rather that his degree of repentance and correction of his character defects are such that, as long as he maintains his new status, he will not commit that sin.

Today I shall...

try to understand how I came to do those things that I regret having done, and bring myself to a state where such acts will be alien to me.

With stories and insights,
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